DE1441466B2 - GLOW CATHODE SIGN DISPLAY DEVICE - Google Patents

Description

1 2

The invention relates to a co-operating glow cathode segments. In operation, a character display device with a bulb, in excitation voltage between the single anode and which contains a number of elongated glowing cathodes and a certain cathode segment from this number of anionizable gas under a pressure, is placed in order to produce a cathode glow along the selected one with a glowing of the cathodes to generate 5 segments on their ge and the corresponding total length is maintained, indicated with a number of small. - A major disadvantage of this isolated and at a distance from each other in the piston matrix tubes is that complicated outer coding arranged anodes and with a number of circuits and many contact switches od. Cathodes of electrical anions of cathode segments connected in this way to display all conclusions that a selected cathode combination should select different characters,
You also know tubes of the so-called Kobar and optionally different cathode ordinate construction, in which several parallel anode combinations can be excited at different times to the display and several parallel cathodes perpendicular to the display of different characters. 15 other run and at the intersection of the

There are different types of Glimm- so formed coordinate network a Glimmer da-

cathode display devices known. With one through it can be generated that one at the same time to the

Type of construction as described in U.S. Patents 2,874,320 associated cathode with a negative ignition pulse and

and 2 878 407 and which is applied to the associated anode with a positive ignition pulse

Practice has proven to be extremely successful, 20 attaches. This results in a very complicated one

is a stack of controls with very complicated external coding in a gas glow tube

Cathode upstream circuits in the form of a character, since each character is replaced by a different one

seen each of which glowed combination of glowing crossing points

and a different character must be displayed in each case.

indicates. However, these tubes have certain disadvantages. It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a distribution. For example, the cathodes are to be created in an improved character display device, arranged in a stack, that is, one behind the other, different combinations of cathodes. Since each cathode should be clearly visible, can be selectively made to glow,
one must take precautions to prevent that this is achieved in a character mentioned at the beginning of the cathode display device located at the top of the stack by covering those at the bottom of the stack according to the invention. Since the cathodes are not arranged in an associated group of the anodes in this type of construction, there is also the disadvantage that when one anode is excited, the associated anode is used next to one another. Cathode over its entire length for the glowing of arranged tubes of this type in one for the 35 can be attached, and that each of the electrical display of several digits with a selected anode a subdivision of the different digits of the display not in different numbers of the Anode groups are connected to one level. that is.

U.S. Patents 2,906,906 and Re 25,655 The character display device of the present invention

as well as the French patent specification 1 224 731 show 4 ° thus provides several anodes for each cathode,

a modification of this design, in which a tube, each of which has the associated cathode fully to the

with two sets of character-shaped cathodes can bring smoldering. You can then in operation

can be seen that one behind the other in a common keep all cathodes at the same potential and

Stacks are arranged, with each set needing its own only to those anodes that are specific

Has anode and a shielding electrode between 45 cathodes are assigned, a positive potential

see the sentences is arranged. To operate this to create, whereby only along this certain channel

Tube is a biquinary (2 · 5) switching logic required, a cathode glow is generated and so on

borrowed, since the selection of a cathode symbol completely affected the cathode combination caused by the excited

Selecting a cathode in both sentences means that certain characters can be displayed. An important

if only one of the anodes is energized, a 50 basic concept of the present invention

to achieve specific cathode selection. So this is the representation of characters by means of

Tube therefore gives rise to the same problems as with method segments simply by controlling

the tubes are present which only come from one side of the anode. You get an extraordinary

Use umpteen stacked set of cathodes, neatly simple structure and required for the

and it also has the problem of the effective operation of such a display device.

full shielding of the two sets of cathodes - complicated coding circuits or multiple switches,

each other up. so has a very low circuitry

Another type of digit display device effort.

are the so-called matrix tubes, which are an

number of 60 more exemplary embodiments lying in a common plane are described in more detail. In

Use cathode glow segments. When showing the drawings

Driven this tube are various combinations Fig. 1 is a perspective view, partly in

Nations of cathode segments selected to cut, one embodiment of the device

to cause various characters to be displayed. according to the invention,

Tubes of this type are known from U.S. Patents 65 F i g. 2 is an exploded view of FIG

2 723 365 and 2 783 408 and show how parts of the device according to FIG. 1,

shown there, generally a single anode F i g. 3 shows a cross section of the device according to

with a number of cathode glow- Fig. 1,

3 4

F i g. 4 the bottom of the anode used in plan. Such other arrangements are for

disk of the device according to FIG. 1, the skilled person of course.

F i g. In the tube 10, the cathodes are generally in section

F i g. 6 in plan a part of a modified one arranged in the form of the number 8 by the fact that the

Embodiment of the device according to FIGS. 1, 5 methods 60, 61 are at a distance from one another, but

Embodiment of the anode disk according to FIG. 1, are axially aligned, and by the cathodes 63,

F i g. 7 in plan a part of another are located at a distance from one another, but parallel to

Modified embodiment of the anode disk, the cathodes 60, 61 are axially aligned. the

measure F i g. 1, cathodes 62, 65 and 66 are parallel to each other

F i g. 8 is a perspective view of one ab- io and lying substantially transversely to the other

Modified embodiment of the cathode assembly cathodes, with the cathodes 62 and 65 at the top

1, and the lower end of the number 8, while the

F i g. 9 a portion of a modified cathode 66 is in section in the center of the number 8. All ca-

Embodiment of the device according to FIG. 1, method elements are different and from each other

Fig. 10 is a perspective view, partially separated in Fig. 15, and can be energized separately.
Section, another modified embodiment, the cathode glow electrodes are narrow, elongated me-

11 is a perspective view, partly in tall parts, showing a generally U-shaped cross-section. have another modified embodiment section. Since the cathodes are essentially shape of the cathode assembly, 20 are identical, only the parts of a single

F i g. 12 describes a part of another ab cathode in more detail in section. According to FIG. 3 points

Modified embodiment of the device, the cathode 60 legs 70, 74 and a base 78

F i g. 13 is a perspective view of an ab- on, which is essentially over its entire length with

Modified embodiment of the anode disk, a slot 82 serving as an opening is provided.

14 shows a section of a part of another cut-off. The glowing tube is in the operating tube

Modified embodiment of the anode disk of the cathode visible through the slot 82. The width

and the cathode between the legs 70, 74 and the

Fig. 15 in section a part of a further from- width of the slot 82 are therefore dimensioned so that

modified embodiment of the device. optimal glow and optimal function of the

As the F i g. 1, 2 and 3 show one method can be achieved. The optimal arrangement is useful

Pointer tube 10 according to the invention has a generally hollow cathode effect, and it therefore becomes a

my bowl-shaped base 14 with, a basic slot 82 used, the width of which is about a quarter

plate 16 and a side wall 18 as well as one as the distance between the legs 70 and 74

Viewing window serving faceplate 20, which is on.

the side wall of the base is hermetically sealed 35. All cathode elements 60 to 66 are in the is. The face plate 20 has a top 30 and a plane of the tube 10 and are between the bottom 34 and is transparent, so that arranged inside the face plate 20 and the anode disk 52, the light generated by the tube is visible from the outside. with the base 78 of each cathode against the sub-The base 14 is made of insulating material. Its side 34 of the face plate 20 rests, while the ends of the base plate 16 has a top 40 and a 40 of the legs 70,74 with the top 54 of the anode underside 44. It carries the usual base pins 48 disk 52 are in contact. Preferably, there is a tube extension 50 through which the tube is ventilated and the ends of the legs in a recess 88 which can be emptied and filled with gas. Which is formed in the top of the anode disk. Tube 10 can be of any shape, it can be seen from the foregoing description that it can be, for example, circular or rectangular. The 45 each cathode covers a different part of the top 54 base 14 and the face plate 20 together form the anode disk, which is the same size as the bulb of the tube. and shape like the cathode element itself.

The electrode arrangement of the tube 10 has the contact of each cathode element with the forehead matrix shape and consists of several groups of plate 20 and with the anode disk 52 should be tight and Cathode-anode units, which are on different 50 preferably gas-tight, so that the effect after Way can be combined to form several different inside each cathode element different light-generating representations of writing-isolated gas duct between the anode disk and to form characters. With the described special of the faceplate limited. When operating the tube Embodiment of the invention intended the digits can then effectively isolate the cathode from 0 to 9 are displayed. Other dimensions can be achieved. When the tube is finished and the Orders are taken to make the representations mantle filled with gas, the gas fills each of the from other characters. between the faceplate 20 and the anode disk

The cathode elements of the tube 10 are longitudinal channels 52 delimited by the cathode elements,

borrowed parts between the face plate 20 and and it is this gas within each cathode

another insulating part 52 are arranged as 60 elements, which glows.

Anode disk or plate and is described in more detail after- by protruding formed in the anode disk. The number of recesses 94 are electrical connections to cathode elements is established through the cathode to be represented, with characters being determined for each cathode. There can be seven separate one recess is provided. This recess for cathode elements 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66 is coated with conductive material 96 (FIG. 3), which can be turned to represent the digits 0 to 9. and a conductive conductor 100 extends from each cathode, if letters or other digits, to a recess. The base pins 48, which are to be removed from the base, will extend into the outlet using a different cathode arrangement

recess 94 in the anode disk and thereby make electrical contact with a cathode here. If desired, additional contact-making parts (not shown) can be provided on the pins to ensure good contact with the lining of the recess. the Recesses 94 can be arranged anywhere on the anode disk, as long as they have the Do not interfere with the anode elements described below. There are insulating spacers on the base pins 48 Made of ceramic od. The like. Arranged, which form a support for the anode disk 52 and the also cover the pins and keep them from glowing.

In a matrix type tube, such as tube 10, the cathodes are used in various combinations to obtain the various numerical representations desired. For example, the cathodes 60, 61 or 63, 64 are used to represent the number 1 , the cathodes 62, 63, 66, 60 and 65 to represent the number 2, and the cathodes 62, 63, 66, 64 and 65 to represent the number 3 etc. -

According to the invention, the tube anodes are used as switching devices that cause a selected cathode element or a group of elements glows and the desired character representation supplies. As each cathode is used in more than one and in different combinations several groups of anode elements are provided. With every cathode there is one Group of anode elements, connected, and in each group a separate anode element is provided, whenever the associated cathode is used in a particular combination.

Like F i g. 2 shows, the anode electrodes 106 on the anode disk 52 are in groups 60 ', 61', 62 ', 63 ', 64', 65 ', 66', a group of anodes being provided for each cathode electrode and is connected to it. Therefore, when the cathode member 60 is used to represent When four digits are used, there are four anodes 106 in the group 60 ′ connected to the cathode 60 intended. When cathode member 64 is used to represent eight digits, group 64 'connected to the cathode 64, eight anodes 106 are provided, etc.

All of the anodes 106 lie in the same plane within the tube 10. In this embodiment of the In accordance with the invention, each anode is connected to a recess 110 which extends through the anode disk 52 extends from top to bottom. Each anode electrode consists of a conductive one Film or coating 114 on the wall of each recess and extending the full depth the recess.

In accordance with the invention, the various anode elements 106 are within the tube with one another connected or programmed so that for each character to be displayed an anode unit is provided, which consists of one or more anode elements, and each anode unit by the application of a single voltage to a single socket pin can be actuated. For example, if it is assumed that the cathodes 63, 64 are used to represent the number 1, is an anode element in group 63 'with an anode element in the manner described below connected in group 64 '. Or if it is assumed that the cathodes 62, 63 and 64 are used to represent the numeral 7, there is one anode element in each group of anode elements 62 ', 63' and 64 'are connected to form a group that generates a glowing number 7 is used. The anodes are therefore connected in ten different groups to make the representation to get the digits 0 to 9.

ίο Preferably the anode elements are conductive Conductors connected to one another, which are arranged on the underside 56 of the anode disk 52. According to FIG. 4, a conductor 118 connects the anodes of groups 63 'and 64' for the number 1, and a Conductor 118 'connects the anodes of groups 62', 63 'and 64' for digit 7. The other eight combinations the anodes are made in a similar manner. Each conductor 118 and 118 'extends according to the Fi g. 3 and 4 up to a recess 124 formed in the underside of the anode disk and lined with conductive material to make electrical contact with a socket pin 48.

If desired, all anode connecting conductors can also be used 118 can be placed on top 54 of the anode disk, or for convenience some can be placed on the top and some on the bottom for this sake. In addition, if desired, the anode recesses 110 can be used instead of the depressions 124 Recording the socket pins 48 are used.

Many changes can be made in tube 10 within the scope of the invention will. In Fig. 5, a modified anode disk 52 'is shown, which with the anode disk 52 is identical except that each anode recess 110 is used in place of the conductive Layer 114 is provided with a conductive peg 126. The electrical connections are made in produced in the manner described above. In this case, each area of the anode disk that is covered by a cathode element is covered, provided with at least one additional recess 128, through which gas can be admitted into the channel enclosed by the cathode.

In Fig. Referring to Figure 6, there is shown part of another modified embodiment of an anode disk 52 "having anode elements comprised of short conductive conductors 132 parallel to each other and transverse to the axis of each cathode electrode. Each anode element 132 is electrical, for example, with its own conductive recess 110 ' FIG. 7 shows part of a further modified embodiment of an anode disk 52 '"which has anode elements made up of conductive conductors 136 which are parallel to one another and to the axis of the associated cathode element. With this design, an advantageously large effective anode surface is obtained. Both in FIG. 6 and in FIG. 7, each group of anode conductors lies entirely within the area enclosed by the associated cathode element.
Any of the modified anode disks described above can be inserted directly into tube 10 in place of anode disk 52.

The cathode section of the tube according to the invention can also be dis-

to be changed. In all of the modified embodiments described below, one with the Anode disk 52 uses comparable insulating cathode disk or plate. The in F i g. 8th The cathode disk 140 shown is formed around the cathode elements 60 to 66 and consists from a main part of insulating material, the channels 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166 of such Has size and shape that they each accommodate one of the cathode elements. The conductive connections 100 with the cathodes are manufactured in the manner described above. If such Cathode disk is connected to the other elements of the tube, it forms a compact and fixed electrode unit.

The in F i g. 9 is shown with channels 160-166 provided, the cathodes being designed as layers or coverings 180 made of metallic material, with which the wall of each duct is lined. The conductive coatings 180 can be painted sprayed or otherwise applied to the walls of the ducts. The conductive Coatings 180 can extend from the top to the bottom or almost to the bottom of each channel, the lower portion of each cathode coating of each anode element being on top the disc 52 'is spaced and is therefore isolated from the same. The electrical connections 181 with the cathodes 180 are between the cathode disk and the viewing window 30 and can be in the above described manner.

In another modified embodiment of the cathode construction shown in FIG. 10 is shown Each cathode consists of a fine wire mesh or grid 182 attached to the top of a channel 186 is arranged in a cathode disk 190. The wire mesh can be in the canal in some way be attached, for example on a shoulder 194, which is in the top 196 of the disc in the Is formed near the top of a channel. As FIG. 11 shows, the wall of the channel can also be provided with a cathode coating 198, which is then preferably at a distance from the wire mesh 182 is so that it is not conductively connected to the cathode. Such a wire network can serve to collect cathode metal resulting from the sputtering of the cathode coating 198.

In a further modified embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 12, a Cathode disk or plate 200 with top 202 and bottom 204 used with step-shaped Channels 206 is provided. The step is formed by a portion 208 of small width that extends extends downward from the top 202, and by a portion 210 of greater width which extends extends upward from the bottom 204. Each channel therefore has a downward shoulder 212 on. In this case each cathode consists of a metallic coating 214 on the wall the wider part 210 of each channel. When cathodes formed in this way sputter, it will Atomized metal is caught by the shoulder 212 and cannot get on the faceplate of the tube deposit.

The type of cathode disk described last also enables a different type of anode construction to be used in addition to those already described. In the case of the in FIG. 13 shown modified In the anode construction, the anode elements consist of points 220 made of conductive material, suitably deposited on top 222 of an anode disk 226. The point anodes are arranged in groups in the manner described above, and the programming Connections 230 are made on the top of the anode disk in the manner described above, corresponding recesses 234 being provided at suitable locations to accommodate the connections with the socket pins to facilitate. The ones described above, in the transverse and longitudinal directions Running anode conductors can also be used with this type of anode disk. According to 14, the anode elements 220 can also be arranged on raised parts 238 of the anode disk 240 which extend into the cathode channels. In this construction, the anode elements are 220 preferably connected with recesses that are formed by the raised parts of the anode disk go through.

Another type of cathode construction used in tubes according to the invention is shown in FIG. One such modified tube consists of an anode disk 52 ' with anode pin 126 and a cathode disk 244 with channels 246 and with the in FIG. 3 shown ladders. However, no cathode coatings are provided in the channels of disk 244. In In this case, the glow cathodes are coated on the inside of the faceplate 250 as separate ones Areas formed from transparent conductive coating material, e.g. B. from vapor-deposited Tin chloride. A conductive area 252 is provided for each channel, and each area has im essentially the same shape and size as the cross-section of the associated channel. With the cathode area 252 coupled connection strips 254 can be on the faceplate 250 or on the Cathode disk 244 can be provided.

It has been found desirable to isolate each channel from the power source, if the same used in a circuit to ensure that all channels glow when appropriately get excited. Such isolation is best achieved with a resistance that is between the cathode and the power source are switched on. These resistors can be outside the tube arranged or formed as coatings within the tube. For example, the in F i g. The conductive strips 100 shown in FIG Disk 52 is vapor-deposited, painted or otherwise applied.

In the manufacture of the tube 10 and the various modified forms thereof the tube jacket is evacuated, and the desired gas, such as. B. neon or argon,

is measured through the pipe socket 50 with a pressure of about 30 to 100 mm of mercury Room temperature, whereupon the pipe socket is melted in the usual way. The gas admitted into the tube jacket passes through the various ones provided for this purpose Recesses in the spaces between the cathode and anode and provides the necessary Connection between the anodes at the bottom

109 533/16

End and the cathode at the top of a channel to support the glow of the cathode, when the correct electrical voltages are applied. Of course you can Gas pressures outside the specified range can also be used. The gas pressure will chosen in the manner known to those skilled in the art so that a desired series of operating conditions is obtained.

The invention provides a multiple character display device that is different from similar prior art Devices has many advantages. One advantage is the low height and compactness, which characterize the device according to the invention, although relatively large characters can be shown. Characters with a diameter or a length of 7.5 to 10 cm or more can be obtained with ease. Also make it easier from several Discs existing construction and the ease of assembling the various parts, so that automatic assembly of the devices is enabled. Since the matrix elements which form the characters to be displayed, can be encrypted in the device itself only one socket pin connection required for each character. Complicated outer decryption matrices or the like are therefore not required for the operation of the tube. As the cathode selection takes place by applying a signal voltage to the tube anode unit, a positive excitation signal can be used.

A further advantage has also been found that both AC and DC operating voltages can be used satisfactorily. Gas pipes became a matter of course already operated with alternating voltages. However, with most of the display tubes, the operation generates with alternating current an undesired glow of an anode electrode. With the tubes according to the In accordance with the invention, the anodes are arranged in such a way that a viewer can glow a desired channel sees regardless of whether the cathode or an anode causes the glow.

One of the most important advantages of the invention is that the tube has a memory since the cathode elements are sectioned and effectively isolated from one another, d. i.e., the holding voltage each cathode is considerably lower than the ignition voltage. With the different forms which the invention may have are also between any operable anode-cathode combination essentially evenly spaced. The ignition voltage for each combination is therefore essentially the same, and changes in the tube operating characteristic can only be be effected by adjusting the gas pressure.

When a cathode glows, a viewer generally observes the relatively narrow one Edge of the cathode, while the greater width of the cathode extends downward away from the viewer.

Because only a visible narrow edge and not a large area are fed with electricity must, the glow of the cathode takes place in the normal glow range, the current flow is relatively low, and the sputtering of the cathode is also relatively low.

Claims (25)

Patent claims: A glow cathode character display device having a bulb in which a number of elongated glow cathodes and an ionizable gas are contained under a pressure at which a glow of the cathode can be maintained along its entire length, with a number isolated and spaced from each other in the bulb Anodes and with a number of electrical connections passed through the piston and connected to the anodes or cathodes in such a way that a selected combination of cathodes can be excited simultaneously to display a character and optionally different combinations of cathodes can be excited at different times to display different characters, characterized in that in the vicinity of each cathode (60 to 66) a different associated group (60 'to 66') of the anodes (106) is arranged, wherein the associated cathode can be made to glow over its entire length by excitation of an anode, and that each of the electrical connections (48) m it is connected to a selected anode (106) of a different number of anode groups (60 'to 66'). 2. Character display device according to claim 1, characterized in that the glow region along a cathode (60 to 66) is isolated from the glow regions along the other cathodes (20, 52, 70, 74, 78). 3. Character display device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a cathode (60 to 66) each surrounds the anodes (106) assigned to it. 4. Character display device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that the cathodes are tubular parts. 5. character display device according to claim 4, characterized in that the tubular Cathode members have a base part (78) provided with an opening (82) in order to permit viewing a glow there from a viewing window (20) through the bulb. 6. Character display device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that the cathodes are designed such that they have the hollow cathode effect. 7. Character display device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a non-conductive plate (52) is provided which carries the anodes (106) , and that the cathodes (60 to 66) between the non-conductive plate (52) and the viewing window ( 20) and are arranged in contact with both this plate (52) and the viewing window (20). 8. Character display device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cathodes are designed as conductive grids (182) which are between the anodes (126) and the viewing window (20) (Fig. 10). 9. Character display device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that each between the viewing window (20) and a set of electrodes formed from a cathode (198) and the associated anodes (126) a conductive grid (182) is provided (Fig. 11). 10. Character display device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that the distance between a cathode (60 to 66) and its associated anodes (106) is the same in each case. 11. Character display device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cathodes (60 to 66) all approximately lie in the same plane. 12. Character display device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that the cathodes (60 to 66) are arranged in the form of a character. 13. Character display device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that all anodes (106; 126) lie approximately in the same plane. 14. Character display device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that the anodes are much smaller than the cathodes. 15. Character display device according to claim 14, characterized in that the The surface of a cathode is always larger than the combined surface of all of it associated anodes. 16. Character display device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that the anodes are designed as metal pins (126). 17. Character display device according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that that the anodes have metal coatings (132; 220) on a non-conductive anode plate (52 "; 226). 18. Character display device according to claim 17, characterized in that the Metal coverings have the shape of lines (132). 19. Character display device according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the anode plate (226) also carries connecting conductors (e.g. 230) which the anodes (220) with Connect the connection pins of the device and, if necessary, to other anodes (220) (Fig. 13). 20. Character display device according to one of the Claims 1 to 4 or 7 to 19, characterized in that one non-conductive, the cathode supporting cathode plate (140; 190; 200; 244) is provided and between the anodes and the viewing window is arranged. 21. Character display device according to claim 20, characterized in that the Anodes (126) are carried by a non-conductive anode plate (52 ') which is against a Side of the cathode plate (140; 190; 200; 244) rests. 22. Character display device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the piston has a small depth and a viewing window (20) and a base part (14) comprises that provided for connection to external circuits tube pins (z. B. 48) the Penetrate base part (14) that an insulating separator (z. B. 52) is provided, the dimensions of which correspond approximately to the internal dimensions of the piston, which extends approximately parallel to the base part (14) through the interior of the piston and that on its underside has recesses (94) for receiving the tube pins (e.g. 48) and that the cathodes (60 to 66) are attached directly to the top of the separator, against the inside of the viewing window (20) and electrically with at least connected to one of the tube pins. 23. Character display device according to claim 22, characterized in that the Tube pins (z. B. 48) inside the piston are surrounded by insulating pieces and that the insulating separator (z. B. 52) through the immovable between the separator and the Viewing window (20) arranged cathodes (60 to 66) tightly against these insulating pieces is held. 24. Character display device according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that the viewing window (20) of the piston is designed as a separate part from the rest of the piston and with the rest of the piston after inserting the insulating separator and the cathodes and Anodes can be tightly connected in the same (Fig. 2). 25. Character display device according to claim 24, characterized in that the remaining piston is designed as a one-piece, shell-shaped molded piece (14) (FIG. 2). For this purpose 2 sheets of drawings